In April 2009, newsworthy discussion of a potential swine flu epidemic caught the attention of the nation. Parents sending their young children to preschool, daycare and elementary school classes continue to monitor the news with concerns that their child might be exposed to swine flu. Particularly threatening to young children, Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory virus, which mimics the seasonal flu or cold.

Currently there is no swine flu cure. Potential for spreading the swine flu in children has caused school administrators to revisit school closing criteria. Labs have been working overtime to develop and produce swine flu vaccine for children and other persons vulnerable to the virus.

Although there is no really accurate way to count the number of infections, the potentially deadly infection was reported within the first month, to have infected at least 5,764 people in the United States alone. This is why parents are going above and beyond the call of duty to protect their children. Almost vigilantly. Discerning between the seasonal flu and the swine flu virus in children is the first and most important prevention measure.

How to Keep Your Children Safe From the Swine Flu Virus

Typically adults and children with the swine flu virus experience a rapid onset of sever flu like symptoms. The rapid gestation of the virus immediately produces a potentially fatal fever. However, in addition to the common symptoms, swine flu in kids can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you think your child has the swine flu virus? Above all else seek immediate medical attention! It would be wise to reiview the National Center for Disease Control recommendation on how to protect your children and yourself this flu season.

With every day that passes, the CDC and local media report new cases of the H1N1 influenza virus commonly known as the Swine flu. The televised reports illustrated with videos of mask wearers is more than a little alarming.

All across the nation communities in the states and rural areas inundated with swine flu cases are concerned about the spread of the virus. Especially since a number of cases reported were young children and elderly. This has led to several public schools systematically closing in an effort to isolate the virus and prevent a viral catastrophe! And by all reports we are doing a fairly good job of it.

CDC Alerts

The severity of this viral infection as well as the lack of a vaccine prompted the CDC to issue public prevention alerts. These alerts are designed to educate the public on effective methods to reduce the chances of infection. Additionally, these alerts point out the importance of understanding the crucial dynamics of the swine flu virus in children and adults. And according to the CDC having competent knowledge of these factors will effectively assist in the prevention of infection.

Because the virus' gestational period is still unclear. The CDC estimates it can take as long as a week or as few as 1-2 days to show signs of infection. If you believe your child has come in contact with the virus, allow at least a day for clear sign of infection. Follow children's fevers closely and review the CDC information on risk in your area. This will help determine if your child's problem is potentially swine flu.

It is believed that the swine flu is most contagious during the gestational period. And although the contagious properties diminish over time. The pathogens are still very active. This can cause serious complications for someone with a pre-existing autoimmune or immunity deficiency conditions!

The virus is transmitted from one host to the next via air transmission or direct contact. Washing your hands and teaching your children to wash their hands frequently through-out the day, is a common way to keeping the risk of infection down.

It is advised to avoid unnecessary travel to states and regions reporting widespread cases of swine flu. Circumventing travel across borders to Mexico, which is the site of the largest original outbreak will be key.

The CDC warns that a common cold can put individuals at greater risk of contracting and spreading the H1N1 virus. Therefore the CDC recommends anyone suffering from a seasonal cold or flu, stay home from work or school until their condition gets better.

Training children how to cover their mouths when sneezing and to properly wash their hands frequently is very important. According to the CDC this is one of the most effective methods to avoid spread of the swine flu virus. It's clear that communities are conscious of the threat given the number of school closings due to the swine flu threat.

According to the CDC until everyone understands the full ramifications of this new strain of influenza, we are at risk of continued cases and potential outbreaks. Committing to more careful prevention measures is essential. You can learn more by going online to the official Center for Disease Control website to learn more about protecting your child. Infomation on the virus, vaccines and geographical overviews of the spread of the disease along with public updates on this national influenza epidemic are available.